Think you cannot experience fully the exotic, vibrant, and funky city of Tampa, without having loaded pockets? Think again!
With its scenic beaches, spirited Ybor City, the Gigantic Florida Aquarium, and breathtaking Busch Gardens, Tampa are one of the top vacation destinations in the US. You might think you need to save up thousands of dollars to visit and enjoy this wondrous place. But the good news is, there are tons of free things to do in Tampa! So, pack up your bags and start a beautiful journey to this beautiful coastal city right away!
For those who do not know, Tampa is a vibrant city in Florida. It borders the gulf coast, with Tampa Bay in the north and Old Tamp Bay in the east. In fact, it is the third most populated city in Florida; the first two being Jacksonville and Miami. It is a city rich with history. Tampa is famous for its numerous lush green parks, cigar factories, culturally-rich museums, sidewalks with gorgeous views of the ocean, high-end eateries, cigar factories, and most of all, as the birthplace of the Cuban Sandwich!
So, forget worrying about not being able to afford a trip to Tampa, FL. You certainly can! Tampa has plenty of free activities for all ages to enjoy. From beautiful beaches to parks and museums, you can spend countless hours making memories in Tampa without spending a dime.
15 Free Tampa Activities for an Unforgettable Vacation!
Experience the tranquility of nature, walk along riverbeds, and take your kids to fun museums – whatever you decide to do, all of these activities are completely free! We spent hours choosing the most fun activities in Tampa that won’t cost you a dime. So, make sure to visit these places on your budget-friendly cross country road trip for a memorable vacation to Tampa!
1. Ben T. Davis Beach
Looking to hit the beach but don’t want to drive over the bridge and fight the traffic in touristy spots like Clearwater, St. Pete, and Myrtle beach? Check out Ben T. Davis Beach. It’s popular with the locals and is close to Downtown and the airport. It’s also the perfect spot to watch the sunset or tailgate. Moreover, best of all, it’s free! For an even more convenient commute, consider booking a hotel close by.
2. Ybor City
Visit Tampa’s charming, historic district for an afternoon stroll. Visitors say the area feels like a mini Bourbon St., full of boutique shops, cafes, and bars. Do some window shopping, stop by the Ybor City Visitor center, and soak up the history of the area. If you stick around till sundown, the 7th Ave. the strip turns into a lively nightlife center for those looking for a night out.
3. Ybor City Saturday Market
Additionally, you can go have a look at the Ybor City Saturday Market. It’s one of the most enjoyable things to do in Tampa on the weekends. In fact, it is a hub where local small businesses and budding entrepreneurs come to showcase their products. Truly, the whole place is filled with an air of creativity, passion, friendliness, and general good vibes. You’ll get to see so much art and uniquely handmade products from local vendors. It’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs for friends and family and also try some local delicacies. Even if you don’t buy anything, simply looking at all the fun and cool art is sure to energize you!
4. Hyde Park Village
The Hyde Park Village is located in the heart of the Historic Hyde Park District. It is a curious mixture of historical landmarks combined with modern, trendy, and unique shops as well as eateries. Roam around Hyde Park Village to see the most exquisite boutiques, unique specialty shops, and indie brands you can’t find anywhere. Moreover, the place is nestled within a lush garden so having a peaceful lunch here is recommended. We promise you won’t be disappointed with the food!
5. International Plaza Bay Street
The International Plaza Bay Street is on everyone’s list of free things to do in Tampa. You cannot miss this. Less than 10 minutes drive away from the airport, this is where you hang out when you first arrive in Tampa and the last place to visit after checking out of the hotel when leaving. The Plaza is full of beautiful high-end stores as well as local shops that won’t break your travel budget.
Fond of Taking Walks or Biking? Don’t Miss Out on these Gorgeous Tampa Walkways with Breathtaking Views.
Tampa is home to some of the most beautiful walkways and roads for long drives. Indeed, if you want free things to do in Tampa, mark these down on your trip planner!
6. The Tampa Riverwalk
Explore Tampa’s downtown riverfront that walks you through some of the area’s most popular attractions, such as Curtis Hixon Park, the Tampa Museum of Art, the Florida Aquarium, and restaurants. The path itself is three miles long and passes by a number of public art exhibits.
7. Drive at the Sunshine Skyway
Without a doubt, driving over the Sunshine Skyway in Tampa is an exhilarating experience. The motorway itself is 12 miles long and curves gracefully in the middle – allowing passage for giant sea vessels as well as giving it a height that’s thrilling to drive over. Plus, it features a stunning 4.14 miles-high bridge. At night, the skyway is lit up with dazzling lights. You wouldn’t want to miss this breathtaking drive over the ocean on this gorgeous motorway that literally feels like flying!
8. Bayshore Boulevard
One of the most soothing and relaxing things to do in Tampa during the daytime is to talk a walk along Bayshore Boulevard. You’ll find locals and tourists walking, jogging, biking, and even rollerblading down this scenic sidewalk. At Bayshore Boulevard, you can see some alluring historic buildings, grab a bite to eat from the numerous food trucks, and see the dazzling downtown skyline.
Fun Fact: The Bayshore Boulevard is the longest sidewalk in the US at 4.5 miles long.
9. The Upper Tampa Bay Trail
The Upper Tampa Bay Trail is among one of the best urban trails in the US. It is 16.5 miles long, located in Hillsborough County, and provides a much-needed escape from the bustling city surrounding it. Make sure to include this on your free things to do in Tampa list because not only it is perfect for hiking, walking, and running but it also has all the amenities for picnics, BBQs, fishing, etc. It also has playgrounds for kids making it a good place to visit with kids on your Tampa Vacation.
Plan a Tranquil Picnic in These Scenic & Free Tampa Parks
Speaking of picnics, visiting the following parks in Tampa is a must if you’re a nature lover and want to relax on your vacation instead of going to overcrowded tourist spots.
10. Lettuce Lake Park
About 30 minutes north of downtown, you’ll find Lettuce Lake Park along the Hillsborough River. With 240 acres of tree-covered picnic areas, paved paths for biking or jogging, and a playground. Moreover, this is the perfect spot to pack a lunch and take in the scenery. Nature lovers and bird watchers alike will enjoy the observation tower and 3,500-foot boardwalk.
11. Cypress Point Park and Morris Bridge Park
Cypress Point Park is the best place to be if you want to avoid going to an overcrowded beach. The park has a nice ocean view and its peaceful and serene environment is perfect for solo travelers vacationing on a budget. Admission is absolutely free! Plus, there are areas where you can swim, fish, and even try jet skiing. Similarly, for people tracking their travel expenses on budget apps, Morris Bridge Park is a wonderful option. Here, you can find exotic plants and even spot wildlife if you look closely!
Free Things to do in Tampa with Family and Kids
Tampa has fun places for everyone. If you’re on a family vacation, here are some of the best free attractions that are sure to entertain your kids!
12. Tampa Firefighters Museum
13. The Museum of Science and Industry
Not only is this an educational place for kids but they’ll also have tons of fun exploring NASA’s model of human life on other planets away from earth. Furthermore, children can see the life-size model of the Mercury Spaceship and play the gigantic game of ‘operation’ – a game designed to exhibit how the human body works. Truly, it is a wonderful place you can visit for free in Tampa with your kids.
14. Tampa Bay History Center
A trip to Tampa won’t be complete without visiting the Tampa Bay History Center – a place full of 12,000 years of history of Florida. From livestock drives to interactive exhibitions of sea pirates – this three-floor building has it all. Learning history was never this much fun!
15. Glazer Children’s Museum
Another fun place for kids in Tampa is the Glazier Children’s Museum, which is also one of the best kid’s museums in the US. Here your young ones can try various things from all walks of life. They can experience being a carpenter, designer, engineer, doctor, firefighter, etc. for a day. Plus, the museum holds interactive workshops on how to save money for kids that your children can benefit from. Other exhibits revolve around robotics, engineering, oceanography as well as different cultures of the world.
Final Words
Apart from this list, there are so many other places to see in Tampa. For example, visit the Tampa Union Station, 81 Bay Brewing Co, CoronaCigar Co, Veterans Memorial Park and Museum, Waterworks Park, the Sparkman Wharf, and many more! In short, there is no shortage of free things to do in Tampa. So, pack up your suitcase, grab your wallet and go! You can have the time of your life without spending much money!
In short, there is no shortage of free things to do in Tampa. So, pack up your suitcase, grab your wallet and go! You can have the time of your life without spending much money!
